The Frederick C. Scales Gun, Part I

Unraveling the mystery of a most unusual smoothbore

[img 1 right caption=The Frederick C. Scales gun is distinguished by its stock configuration and engraving] In retrospect it seems inauspicious-foolish even-for an Englishman to have commissioned an exhibition-grade gun in the summer of '39. Franco had triumphed in Spain, fascist Italy had just occupied Albania, and Hitler was preparing to march in Central Europe. A war like no other was looming, and everyone in England knew it. For Britons, what lay ahead was not only uncertain but also frightening.

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